Tuttosport: Milan boss Pioli to stick with 4-2-3-1 vs. Juventus – why Leao will be left out

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli looks set to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation ahead of Friday’s visit to Juventus, according to a report.

The Rossoneri will have to score at least one goal in their Coppa Italia semi-final second leg after the 1-1 draw in the first leg at San Siro.

It will not be easy without Theo Hernandez, Samu Castillejo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – all of whom are suspended – and Pioli is examining the solutions to give his side the best chance of reaching yet another Italian Cup final.

Thursday’s edition of newspaper Tuttosport (via MilanNews) claims that Pioli will stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation and will put Ante Rebic in the role of centre-forward. Rafael Leao is not being left out as punishment, but rather because fitness will be key and he could provide a much-needed injection of pace and energy towards the end of the game.

Rade Krunic and Lucas Biglia will be the only two midfielders on the bench, while Alexis Saelemaekers and Diego Laxalt are the full-backs who will be at Pioli’s disposal but will miss out on a spot in the XI.

 

Tags AC Milan Juventus-Milan
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